Norfolk

Blakeney Freshes coastal wildlife walk

This stroll through Blakeney village and around Blakeney Freshes is fantastic for spotting wildlife, particularly birds. There are also excellent views to enjoy around Blakeney and Cley harbours. An ideal walk for families.

View or download a print-friendly version of this trail

Total steps: 5

Start point

Bus stop, St Nicolas' Church, Blakeney, grid ref: TG032436

Step 1

From the bus stop head away from the church into Blakeney village and turn right down the High Street. At the end of the High Street, you will come out onto Blakeney Quay.

Step 2

Cross the main car-parking area of the quay and walk up onto the bank on the right-hand side. From here you can see Blakeney Freshes on your right. Take the footpath on top of the bank out towards the harbour.

Step 3

Follow the same footpath around to the right.

Golden plover, adult on moorland grass — Golden plover | © National Trust Images/Dougie Holden

Step 4

Continue along the footpath beside the river, turning right to head back inland.

River Glaven

The footpath now runs alongside the new route of the River Glaven, which was moved inland in 2006 to prevent flooding. The areas that were freshwater marsh and the old footpath route are now exposed to salt water and tides and are quickly turning into salt marsh. New rare habitats have been created as a result and are excellent for breeding birds. In summer, see breeding waders on the grazed fields, such as lapwing, avocet and redshank. Look out for marsh harriers hunting over the reed beds and sedge and reed warblers, bearded reedlings and reed buntings in the reed beds and ditches.

Male marsh harrier in flight over the saltmarsh at Morston Quay, Blakeney National Nature Reserve, Norfolk — Marsh harrier over Blakeney Nature Reserve | © National Trust Images/Rob Coleman

Step 5

Keep to the footpath on the bank until you reach the A149 between Blakeney and Cley-next-the-Sea. Cross the road and turn right, walk up the hill and cross the road again and stay on the pavement until you are back at the bus stop near St Nicholas' Church.

St Nicholas' Church

Well worth a visit while waiting for your bus, the church was built between the 13th and 15th centuries and dominates the surrounding area with its twin towers. The hammer beam roof and wealth of stained glass enhance the majesty of the building and its dimensions are comparable to a major city church. It featured in Simon Jenkins’ 1,000 Best Churches and in the Daily Telegraph's 100 favourite churches. The church provides a warm 'welcome team', WCs and freely available refreshments.

End point

Bus stop, St Nicolas' Church, Blakeney, grid ref: TG032436

Trail map

Blakeney Freshes walk map | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

Purple sea lavender surrounding a pool of water in a marsh landscape with purple-grey moody, cloudy sky above, which is reflected in the pool

Trail

Blakeney to Stiffkey coastal walk

Enjoy views across Norfolk's open landscape on this coastal walk, starting at Blakeney Nature Reserve and taking in Morston and Stiffkey salt marshes.

Aerial view of Brancaster Staithe Harbour at low tide, Brancaster Estate, Norfolk

Trail

Brancaster Staithe wildlife walk

Wander through Brancaster Staithe and enjoy the sights of the coast and its wildlife. There are views from Barrow Common and the chance to visit the site of Branodunum Roman Fort along the way.

Blakeney Office, Friary Farm, Cley Road, Norfolk, NR25 7NW (No Public Access)

01263740241

norfolkcoast@nationaltrust.org.uk

We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.

Visit website

Visitor crossing water via stepping stones with their dog on an autumnal walk at Wallington

Walking

Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.

Article

Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner

Learn about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor. Find out how they help us care for precious places and the exclusive discount available for National Trust supporters.

An aerial view of an adult and baby walking a dog along a path at Baggy Point, Devon

Article

Staying safe at National Trust places

The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.

Common seals, on a sand and shingle spit at Blakeney Point, Norfolk, amongst a breeding colony of sandwich terns

Article

Things to do at Blakeney National Nature Reserve

Find out the things to see and do at Blakeney National Nature Reserve, from seeing the seal colony at Blakeney Point to exploring Friary Hills and Blakeney Freshes.

Seal pup at Blakeney Point, Norfolk in winter

Article

Caring for grey seals on Blakeney Point

Find out about England’s largest grey seal colony, how we’ve changed the annual count due to ever-increasing numbers and why the seals call Blakeney Point home.

Areas A-Z

Things to do

Place types

Blakeney Freshes coastal wildlife walk

Total steps: 5